The Best Music Festivals for Families

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: This week-long festival is a great way to take in the culture of New Orleans and listen to some great music. 2017’s fest includes Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Meghan Trainor. Single day tickets are $70 in advance, or $80 at the gate. Children under 10 are only $5, and children under 2 are free.

The Ride Festival: The Ride Festival is is a Rock Festival located in the beautiful mountains of Telluride, Colorado. Pack thoughtfully, as the high altitude can lead to lead to some interesting variation in the weather. Sunscreen is important, but also be aware that, on rare occasions, it has snowed. The Ride Festival is a laid-back festival with some top-quality entertainment including (this year) Ben Harpe and the Innocent Criminals, and Beck. Children under 12 are free.

Taste of Country Music Festival: Country music fans will love this low-key music fest in the Catskills of upstate New York. The biggest country music fest in the Northeast, the Taste of Country Music Festival also features a petting zoo, pony rides, and a mechanical bull. Single day admission ranges from $109 to $119, but for the best value, get the $195 three day deal. Children under 10 are free.

Outside Lands: Outside Lands is a music festival located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Aside from great music (including Gorillaz, Lorde, and Young the Giant), this fest is also a great place to experience San Francisco’s love of food. Food trucks, restaurants, and bakeries are all selling their wares of festival grounds. Outside Lands also features Eco Lands, which features ecologically friendly educational activities for people of all ages. 3-day passes are $375.

MusikFest: For the family on a budget, visit historical Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for MusicFest, which takes place against the towering backdrop of an abandoned iron foundry. MusicFest is the largest music festival with free admission in the United States. Separate tickets are needed to see many of the big-name artists, the prices of which vary by show. Even without tickets, however, visitors can enjoy many free shows, including local musicians, artists, and street performers.

Bumbershoot: This family music festival has brought musicians, writers, artists, and comedians to Seattle for the past fifty years. This year’s lineup includes Flo Rida, The Roots, and Weezer. You can get a 3-Day pass for $249, a VIP pass for $450, or an Emerald pass, which includes complimentary food and special access to events, for $750.